Erythropoietin production in healthy volunteers subjected to controlled hypobaric hypoxia: further evidence against a role for adenosine

Aims Objective of this study was to investigate whether adenosine modulates renal erythropoietin production. Methods In the present study erythropoietin production was stimulated by hypobaric hypoxia by subjecting healthy volunteers to a simulated altitude of 4000 m in a low pressure chamber for 5.5 h. During exposure to hypoxia the subjects received i.v. in a randomized, single-blind, cross-over fashion the non-specific adenosine antagonist theophylline, the adenosine reuptake inhibitor dipyridamole and placebo. Results Contrary to the working hypothesis, theophylline did not decrease and dipyridamole did not further boost erythropoietin concentrations. Conclusions The results are in agreement with our earlier study using haemorrhage as a controlled physiological stimulus of erythropoietin production, and would question a major role for adenosine as a mediator of renal erythropoietin production.